Latest reports say three senior government officials in the western district of Palpa are out of contact after Maoist rebels simultaneously attacked army barracks, police post and district administration office in Tansen, the district headquarters of Palpa, Tuesday night.

Map of Tansen. (File photo)

Map of Tansen.
According to reports, bodies of three security personnel have been recovered so far. A search operation is underway.

Both the sides exchanged fire till late night. Maoists cut off electricity supply and telephone lines in the area. The rebels had blocked Siddhartha Highway for the past one week.

Telephone lines at Gulmi and Arghakhanchi are also not working, according to reports.

A night-vision helicopter of the army was sent to Tansen to support security forces in their fight against the rebels. The rebels have attacked and destroyed various government offices at the district headquarters, according to reports.

The details of causalities on both sides were not available immediately.

Security sources in Kathmandu told Nepalnews this morning that they were still awaiting details.